Oh, oh that's nice...
I really like what I see here. Not just in terms of "it's a nice looking new beast Transformer", but the engineering is damn near perfect to be applied to a new iteration of Beast Machines Cheetor as well.
The comparison to the Core Deluxe is more complicated though. I really like the Core Deluxe as a new take on the classic 96 Cheetor design, especially with the inclusion of Transmetal and Beast Machines aesthetics (and key improvements over the Kingdom version, like the blaster, albeit at the expense of a realistic alt mode). But at the same time...ANY time Hasbro wants to acknowledge the Beast Era, it's usually Cheetor or Primal in very 96 inspired forms (or just reruns of the original molds).
The Studio Series iteration is, at least, a fresher take on the CHARACTER, and not just his first toy. I have a few quibbles, but on the whole, I really DO like how the movie has been approaching the Maximal cast. Who knew the revised movie aesthetic would work so well on beasts?
I'm not a fan of how they did his hands, and I'm not a HUGE fan of the colors, but at least they seem on point with the film (which was seemingly going for an aged/Steampunk look to begin with, and I think this release does hit those notes). It makes me wish we were a decade ago when Hasbro was FAR more willing to repaint the crap out of everything we might have gotten this mold in some more dynamic colors (even if an exclusive).